Lauren’s Story: Style Advice to Impress
Recently, a friend of mine sought my expertise on what to wear on her first date in twenty years.
Today’s blog post will be a little lengthy, as I need to set the story for you first…
Lauren (name changed) considers herself newly divorced and not by choice – well it’s been about two years – and after months of declining many suitors, she is finally taking the plunge on her first date.
I’m happy Lauren waited and gave herself ample time to heal as getting back in the dating game requires preparation.
First there is the positive opportunity that Lauren will experience romance, surprise or even find another partner however she needs to also have her heart prepared for any disappointments or worse – heartbreak.
So now that Lauren is mentally prepared for her date she feels her wardrobe is a bit stale and what I call “beige”.
Lauren is super busy looking after two young children, working part time and all the while trying to put herself on the social calendar and get back into dating.
It makes sense that she dresses for her busy lifestyle, opting for a very comfortable, assuming and practical wardrobe.
However, the one thing lacking is clothing that reflects Lauren’s personality. There is nothing she really loves or feels confident in and she is looking to reinvent herself pre-date – this is where I come in.
So inspired by Lauren- this weeks post will be dedicated to getting you into date-mode.
Now while this blog leans on Lauren’s experience, I’m opening it up to anyone who needs some style advice.
Maybe you’re freshly dating, looking to spark things up in your own relationship (reintroduce date night) or perhaps you’ve found yourself single after a long relationship.
So let’s get started with some fashion tips along with three looks I’ve created for your date night;
1. What to Bring: Forget the material necessities, the primary things to take with you on your first date are confidence and an open mind. (Okay not a fashion tip but it’s key before we even launch into the style advice)
2. Dress to Impress: Just like a work interview, once you’re mentally ready, your appearance will say the rest. Look like you care, if anything it will make you feel better.
3. Dress for the Occasion: Dinner is different to a lunch and drinks are different to the park. Namely, wear clothing that is suitable to your date location i.e. A mini-skirt on a picnic rug is not ideal no matter how good your legs are 🙂
4. Reinvention: If there was ever a time to explore a new look – now is it. After a life-changing event whether it be the close of a relationship, a new baby or even a career change – it can ignite a feeling for newness.
Of course you can commission the help of a personal stylist (I would love to assist) or merely find some looks you like from celebrities or people that inspire you and head in-store to try similar styles.
5. To Heel or Not to Heel: I see so many women who don’t normally wear heels attempt them on dates to amp up their femininity.
While that’s great and I am certainly a heeled supporter, please ensure you can walk in them foremost and that the height of your shoes matches the date occasion. I.e. Stiletto’s for a daytime coffee are not ideal nor are your trendy boat loafers for an elegant restaurant.
6. Showcase your Assets: No, I’m not telling you to get your cleavage on (unless you feel it’s really worthy) but take a good look at your body shape and work with it.
This also doesn’t mean you need to showcase too much skin, as your best assets can be accentuated through clothing.
Small waist? Wear something cinched in such as a high waisted pencil skirt. Great legs? Raise the hem a bit or wear a great pair of tailored pants. A divine décolletage? Reach for that v-neck. You get my drift.
7. Beauty: When Lauren approached me, she was using the same make-up (only on super special occasions) that she was wearing since in her 20’s. Consider your skin-type, age and head in-store to find an appropriate make-up range for you.
Now a reminder that many men think women wear too much make-up, as it is for date night, keep it fresh, natural with a hint of colour for accentuation. Consider the time of day as well as this will direct your make-up look.
8. Hair. I have clients who have had the same hairstyle for so long that it’s returned in fashion – once or twice – and they haven’t had a hair compliment in years!
Lauren’s hair had no style – it was mostly in a low ponytail or bun.
If this is you, or like Lauren, your hair is always back, consider a new style. Whether it be a full cut, colour or learning a new way to style your hair – start experimenting!
Visit a stylist you trust and although Sofia Vergara’s long tresses or Halle Berry’s sexy crop might be your muse, ensure it will work on you and is maintainable.
Now for the many of you that are online dating, I would lean on this advice for your profile picture. This is one forum where your appearance does count, so put your best foot (photo) forward 🙂
If you’re here, thank you for reading this longer than normal post and if you have your own experience to share or a date night look, let me know in the comments below.
I would love to get a conversation going about this.
Jackie Green says
Great post. Go Lauren. Hope her date was a success. Love third outfit. Gorgeous.
Cindy Newstead says
Thanks Jackie – I love the 3rd dress as well 🙂 Very feminine and flattering!